Genesis 41:53

When the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end,

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The narrator records the conclusion of Joseph’s administrative period in Egypt, marking the precise moment the predicted period of plenty transitions into famine. This occurs after Joseph’s elevation and the birth of his second son, Ephraim.

The words — The verb וַ/תִּכְלֶ֕ינָה (va./tikh.Lei.nah) literally means "and they came to an end," referring to the completion of the seven years of plenty (הַ/שָּׂבָ֑ע, ha./sa.Va') previously announced in Genesis 41:29.

The thread — This fulfillment of the seven-year cycle directly echoes the initial prediction in Genesis 41:29 and mirrors the scriptural theme that earthly prosperity is temporary, as seen in Psalm 73:20 and Luke 16:25.

Why it lands — It demands recognition that divine forecasts operate on fixed timelines, requiring the reader to prepare during seasons of plenty for inevitable seasons of scarcity.

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The Hebrew words

וַתִּכְלֶ֕ינָהva./tikh.Lei.nahand/ they came to an end שֶׁ֖בַעShe.va'seven שְׁנֵ֣יshe.Nei[the] years of הַשָּׂבָ֑עha./sa.Va'<the>/ plenty אֲשֶׁ֥ר'a.Sherwhich הָיָ֖הha.Yahit was בְּאֶ֥רֶץbe./'E.retzin/ [the] land of מִצְרָֽיִם׃mitz.Ra.yimEgypt

King James Version

And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

Cross-references

Genesis 41:29 Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt,
Psalms 73:20 Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
Luke 16:25 But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.